Badlands

Badlands (Terrence Malik, 2008)

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Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Based on Real Events, Crime, Coming of Age,

This is a film about what happens when you start something you just can't stop. But not because of fear, rather because of pride and reputation. It's a fascinating look into cause and effect--an irrational act in the heat-of-the-moment leads to a series of unbelievable, senseless killings.

Beautiful scenes of the upper-Midwest grasslands and prairie add a haunting quality to the tale. I was reminded of the Coen Brothers' Fargo on many occasion. Perhaps the quiet, small-town isolation can breed a kind of boredom that sometimes goes out of control. Both Sissy Spacek and Martin Sheen give tremendous performances as the young, odd couple.

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Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (J.J. Abrams, 2015)

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Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Science Fantasy, Saga, Action

Well, episode 7 is certainly gorgeously designed, fast moving, and fun. Not much talking, still lots of questions unanswered, but it the film certainly feels like part of the earlier stories and it is fun to see all the legendary characters reunited. As with most action movies, there were cliche moments and tropes that made me sarcastically think, "Really? That's unexpected." I hope that the next episode explains why and how Kylo Ren became so horrible. And I'd like to know more about the events that caused the First Order's evilness. Fill us in!

It was refreshing to see a capable female lead, and one who doesn't succumb to love-sickness--in fact, she actually gets stronger through the film. And the cute robot. Seriously, I want one of those. I didn't jump into the theater right away but I'm glad I did eventually see it on the big screen.

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Witness for the Prosecution

Witness for the Prosecution (Billy Wilder, 1957)

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Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Mystery, Crime, Courtroom Drama, Based on Novel, Suspense

Oh, how I love Agatha Christie! This is one of her most famous novels but one I haven't read or seen, so I was pleasantly surprised by how her narrative complexity and subtleties translated very well to the film adaptation. Marlene Dietrich is fascinating, Charles Laughton is marvelous. A great courtroom drama that keeps you watching until the twist ending!

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Oscar Dash 2016--The Nominees

Oscar Dash 2016!

Well, this year I'm way behind (haven't seen any of the nominees!) because of work and my health. But I will try to see as many as possible, per usual, before the ceremony. And then I'll continue after, too, so you'll have my review for each one. Don't forget to watch the big celebration on February 28. Here are the nominees for best picture:

The Big Short
Bridge of Spies
Brooklyn
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Room
Spotlight

Click here to see pictures and all the other nominations!

Happy 2016

It's another new year for more film goals! I watched 50+ new films again this year (plus lots of TV shows and some favorites). Definitely my favorite viewing was Song of the Sea.


Last year I made a list of three broad film goals and I feel confident I met all of them. This year I have a few new challenges I'm going to take on:

1. Watch all of Hitchcock's films. I still haven't seen many of the early Hitchcock films.

2. Watch more classic musicals

3. Watch more courtroom dramas